A Carrickfergus group providing social opportunities for young people with learning difficulties has received a prestigious award.

Carrickfergus Junior Gateway, which works to increase confidence and life skills of its members, has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. It is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK in recognition of outstanding work done in their own communities.

Julie Stirling, volunteer/ leader-in-charge Carrickfergus Junior Gateway, said: “It is an incredible honour to be nominated and achieve this very prestigious award. Being recognised in such a way means so much to all the volunteers.

“Being recipients of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service will provide us with so many incredible opportunities. We hope this will enable us to reach out to even more people boosting both our membership and volunteer base.”

Carrickfergus Gasworks Preservation Society was similarly recognised for its role with Flame museum.